Mr. Speaker, today is the second anniversary of the government's historic apology to first nations. Our country was deeply moved by the authenticity of that nation to nation exchange. However, an apology without action is empty rhetoric.

Read more: Statement on Aboriginal Affairs

Mr Speaker, Next week the Great Canadian Theatre Company will be launching the premiere performance of "The Children’s Republic".

Read more: "Children's Republic" at GCTC

Mr. Speaker, today, Peter Kennedy’s family, friends and colleagues bid him farewell for the last time. 

Read more: Statement on the passing of Peter Kennedy

My speaker, we saw the Prime Minister's attempt to sing a new song on the weekend.

Read more: Statement on Prime Minister's new tune on the arts

Mr. Speaker,

New Democrats are extremely concerned about the situation in Iran.

Protestors are being crushed, the means of communications among Iranians have been restricted and political activists have been jailed. Yet, thousands of opposition supporters are standing their ground, defying a ban on protests, and requesting a new election.

Read more: Statement on the situation in Iran

Mr. Speaker, for centuries before de Champlain’s arrival, the Chaudière Falls and Victoria Island were a sacred meeting place for indigenous peoples. The area has been the site of cultural convergence, political evolution, and influential innovation.

Read more: National Aboriginal Centre

Mr. Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, recently, we have seen major job losses at companies like Nortel. Not only are we losing valuable jobs but employees' rights are being ignored and hard-earned Canadian knowhow in the high tech industry is leaving our country. At the same time, we have seen massive bonuses paid out to Nortel executives.

Read more: High Tech Industry

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions of Jack McCarthy to our community in Ottawa.

On April 16, Ottawa will celebrate twenty years of Jack’s work as the Executive Director of Somerset West Community Health Centre.

Read more: Honouring Jack McCarthy's work